The ADHD “Boom”: Overdiagnosed, or Finally Understood?

You’ve seen the headlines and heard the chatter online: “ADHD is everywhere.” It’s true that in recent years, we’ve seen a significant rise in people seeking an ADHD assessment, particularly among adults, women, and older individuals. This has led many to ask, “Is ADHD being overdiagnosed, or is this just a social media fad?”

At Eton Psychiatrists, we see this trend not as an epidemic, but as a long-overdue societal correction. For decades, our understanding of ADHD was narrow and based on a stereotype—the hyperactive young boy. As a result, generations of people, especially women and inattentive individuals, were missed. The “boom” you’re seeing is not a new wave of disorder; it’s a wave of long-awaited understanding and self-advocacy.

The Danger of the “Overdiagnosis” Myth

The narrative that ADHD is “overdiagnosed” is often based on outdated statistics from an era with flawed diagnostic criteria. When public authorities and even some healthcare providers operate on the assumption that only 3-4% of the population is affected, the consequences are severe:

• It Fuels Stigma: The “overdiagnosis” myth is deeply invalidating. It suggests that individuals, particularly adults who have spent a lifetime masking their symptoms, are simply “jumping on a bandwagon.” This can add to feelings of guilt and prevent people from seeking the help they need.
• It Cripples Public Services: If authorities believe the perceived need is a fraction of the actual need, public health systems, schools, and workplace support remain critically underfunded. This is a direct cause of the multi-year waiting lists and lack of support that so many individuals face.
• It Reinforces Unfair Labels: Without a proper diagnostic framework, behaviours are mislabeled. A child’s impulsivity is dismissed as “naughty.” An adult’s executive dysfunction is seen as “laziness” or “anxiety.” This shifts the blame from neurobiology to personal failing.

Why Are More People Being Diagnosed? It’s About Awareness.

The real reason for the rise in diagnoses is a powerful combination of better diagnostic criteria (the DSM-5) and a cultural explosion in awareness. We are finally finding the people who were always there.

Specialist Support for Women

For decades, women were the “lost generation” of ADHD. The diagnostic criteria were built around male-centric, hyperactive symptoms. Women, who more often present with inattentive symptoms, were (and still are) frequently misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Now, there is a greater understanding of how ADHD presents in women, including the profound impact of hormonal changes. At Eton Psychiatrists, our dedicated specialist team for women understands this link, offering integrated support for hormonal health, PMDD, and menopause, which can all significantly impact ADHD symptoms.

The ADHD and Autism Overlap

In the past, diagnostic rules (the DSM-IV) forbade a co-diagnosis of ADHD and autism. This was a clinical error that we now understand is wrong. The two neurodevelopmental conditions frequently co-occur.

A modern, comprehensive ADHD assessment must include screening for autism. This isn’t to provide a full autism diagnosis, but to understand the whole person. Autistic traits can affect a person’s cognitive style, sensory processing, and social life, all of which change how ADHD may present.

It’s Never Too Late: ADHD in Older Adults

Another “missed” group is older adults. Many have lived their entire lives feeling “different” without knowing why. Our specialist pathway for older adults provides the validation a diagnosis can bring, even late in life. A key part of this assessment is also the expertise to differentiate ADHD symptoms from early signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

A New Standard: The Neuro-Affirmative Assessment

To meet this new, more accurate demand, we must abandon the old model of a cold, intimidating checklist. The rise in awareness demands a more compassionate, flexible, and collaborative approach to diagnosis.

A Conversation, Not an Interrogation

We see the assessment as a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation. Our goal is to create a space where you feel prepared, understood, and empowered, regardless of the outcome. This patient-centred approach means:

• No Paperwork Panic: We understand that completing pre-assessment forms can be a major barrier for someone with executive dysfunction. We don’t blame you if forms are incomplete and can still proceed.
• Valuing Your Insight: Many people arrive with detailed notes. We see this as a positive and will ensure we listen to your key points and lived experiences.
• Total Transparency: We explain the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria from the start. We are looking for a pattern of symptoms from a young age that impacts at least two areas of your life and isn’t better explained by something else. This transparency helps you understand the process.

Focusing on Strengths, Not Just Challenges

A neuro-affirmative approach views ADHD not just as a disorder, but as a unique personality tendency with a mix of strengths and challenges. For example, our pathway for creative individuals, led by Dr. Obi Ukaegbo, addresses the common fear that treatment might diminish creativity. Our experience shows the right support doesn’t reduce creativity; it empowers you to manage the mundane tasks that get in the way of your brilliant ideas.

Your Journey Forward, With or Without a Diagnosis

An assessment is more than a label; it’s an opportunity for deep self-understanding. The rise in ADHD assessments isn’t a sign of a broken system. It’s a sign that we are, as a society, finally beginning to listen.

• If you receive a diagnosis: We treat it as a partnership. We conduct thorough health screenings as per NICE guidelines, including support from our in-house specialist cardiology service, to ensure your safety. We then offer holistic support, including neurodivergent-friendly therapy, coaching, and family support.
• If you do not receive a diagnosis: Our support doesn’t end. Our first step is to explore how you are feeling. We will provide a clear explanation for the outcome and reassure you that this is a positive turning point for self-knowledge, helping you find the right path forward.

If you are ready to explore your own story in a supportive, collaborative, and judgment-free space, we invite you to learn more about our neuro-affirmative ADHD assessments. Contact Eton Psychiatrists today to begin the conversation.